Used 2000 Volkswagen Cabrio Consumer Reviews
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99 vw CABRIO GLS, What A Fun Car!
I purchased this 99 VW Cabrio used some many years ago. I wanted a convertible and My Grand mother swore by VW. Lest we forget, she bought her VW's when Volkswagon was still Volkswagon. UPDATED REVIEW 08 04 2021 This 99 Cabrio is still running sweet. The only fault mechanically was the linkage to the transmission. It has a 5 speed manual and the linkage began to rust. I started having trouble getting in gear on 2nd and 4th. We found the problem, tried to clean it up and lubed it like crazy. OK VW's short falls The radio for this model is junk. It plays great, even the CD player still plays. But the plastic body is cracking and falling apart and the LCD screen has a wave of BLACK that will in a year or two make the LCD unreadable. THE paint is good, the clear coat sucks. Mine began peeling some years back. Of course to fix it the paint shop needs to repaint the entire cars for 4 grand. for about $20 bucks I used PlastiDip to cover the failing Clear Coat, and enhance the looks of the car. The window operators have a problem that VW knew about and never recalled. It's when you cannot open or close the window. The motor has relays on it than can fail. VW, like most of the car manufacturers, built on the cheap. They used plastic everywhere they could get away with. The door handles on the Cabrio are, of course, PLASTIC. My driver door handle wore the nub off that the handle hinges on and I couldn't open the door from the inside. I have repaired it twice now, but it would never have happened had VW not been so cheap with the parts in the car, especially this one. Not being able to get out, say a car on fire after an accident, could be a serious problem.. Not such a smart idea VW. Joys of the RIDE -- Love the convertible top. Had to change it out when the car was 18 years old. Did it myself. BOY what a job but works great now. Cabrio still as much fun as when it was new. The Cabrio is one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. Sure, there have been some bumps but all cars have them. There is no perfect manufacturer and they all are cutting corners to make money. Fix it and enjoy the ride. I have one of those FM transmitters that lets me listen to whatever music I care to while driving down the road with the top down. Even more exciting when the top is down and the moon is out. Wind blowing around you, with some good tunes. Best part of this story, this is a great, fun little car and, ITS PAID FOR, has been for many years. Still looks great, rides fantastic, the engine hums when tooling down the country roads. What more can you ask for, lol. and we can talk gas mileage, she still goes forever, literally, on a tank of gas. May be because of the manual transmission or the motor under the hood. No matter, it is my most economical car. I did some research one time about my Cabrio. Did you know the 99 model year of VW's were all redesigned, all EXCEPT the 99 Cabrio. The 99 Cabrio continued production on the 98 Cabrio chasis and body. The car was slated to end production in a few years and VW didn't want to spend any money on a redesign for this fine car. I guess if you understand big business then this is ok, but it seems to me no matter the life of the car, they should have changed at least SOMETHING. They are asking a lot of money for the product and we the customers are paying them for the latest. Seems some skulldugery going on there. But in the end the car is great, fun, exciting, fast enough, lol. Even with its VW radio self destructing, the radio sounds great, and what a ride. It is STILL a fun little car and I drive it as much as I can get away with wearing my ball cap, dark sunglasses, and a scarf around my neck, the end blowing in the wind. Ah If you can find a better thing in life, jump on it. I don't know how many of you still have your Cabrios, or if they have become fond memories of the past. I hope most of you are still enjoying this fun car. Its been around a long time and still holding its own. I'm pretty sure that at this time, it will be rather difficult to find another 99 Cabrio in good condition both body and mechanical for any kind of decent money. They are taking their turns in accidents and junk yards, being attacked by rust and what ever other falls on a car to shorten its life. If you are looking for a Cabrio and find one in great shape, Grab onto it and never let go. LOL You are going to love this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1999 VW Cabrio 2 Dr. GLS
Currently the owner of a second VW Cabrio and you would have thought I would learn my lesson. The car is cute, however I have realized that certain major & costly things go wrong with VW's - just a few examples: The window censors, the automatic roof motor, rotor & distributor moisture (which causes yearly replacement), cruise control malfunctions, and items within the interior to just fall off. While I love the exterior design I would never purchase another VW.
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $6,900289 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $5,9951,618 mi away
- GL ConvertibleMSRP: $7,9952,429 mi away
Very Dependable
The only notable problem has been the electrical window motors.
FUN AND PROBLEMATIC + $$
The reviews point towards a car that is fun to drive, good-looking (unique style), comfortable for even tall drivers, higher clearance than many convertibles, a/c and heater works, heated seats put out moderate amount of heat, good winter driving capability (if you choose to), good on gas and easy to park. I think these points are valid and are the experience of the majority of owners. For me, the problem was a leaking transmission, which turned into a replacement of the filter and fluid. This was the beginning of an expensive problem. Many transmissions don't like changing older fluid for newer fluid. It upsets the balance inside the transmission. Stay away from cars with trans work.
Summer Fun -
Great convertble - especially for the money. This, incidently, is also a very reliable winter car. The top is the sam six-layer cover used in higher end German cars and the front-wheel drive handling is fine in the snow.
I Love This Car
This car is so awesome. I had wanted one for so long and after looking a bunch off lemons I found a real winner. Note to those who are looking to buy a cabrio. No matter where you buy it whether it be a dealer or private seller have an independent mechanic look at it. I looked at 6 before i found a good one. Its a young persons car and most young people don't take care of cars. Otherwise Great car.
Love my Cabrio!
This car is FUN! Although I don't really feel it lacks horsepower (has 115), if you're looking for something that goes from 0-60 in a sec, this isn't for you. It's surprisingly roomy and comfy inside and 2 young kids or petite adults can easily fit in the back seats. Back seats go down and trunk is a good size for a convertible - the car passed my COSTCO test! Has ABS and also has a Roll bar on top for safety. Gives me great mileage too- 27MPG. AND it takes REGULAR unleaded gas. That saves me a lot and is a big deal. Very good resale value. Car is no noisier than a Honda Civic when top is on. A fun, yet PRACTICAL and economical convertible!
Cute, reliable, and head-turning!
What more could you ask for in a car? I've had my 1999 Cabrio GLS since I bought it new during the month the new body style was released! It's great for commuting and in just about all weather! Fun to drive-the power roof is great and soooo convenient-plus-the heated leather seats are awesome (picture little blonde me crusing down the PA turnpike in february, top down-car was filled with an entire room of Ikea furniture!-heat blasting--toasty seats on-quite a sight and a remarkably non-painful experience considering it was about 30 degs)! Also, with the heat on, the heated seats on, and the windows up, you can drive around with your top down in just about any weather!
Fun Ride
Great value for a convertable car.
Love it!!!
I don't understand why people are writing such terrible reviews, you clearly didn't get the car checked before buying it. My 2000 Cabrio is a beautiful car. It runs well, looks nice, I haven't had any problems yet. And i've had it for 5 months. It has a little over 109k miles. You guys just need to take better care of your car!! (It's not a manual though, i'm confused why I can't choose automatic.)
decent quality and great mileage
Frankly I am a bit stumped by some of the other reviews. This little car is pretty sound and easy to maintain. Granted, if you try to take it to a shop that is now VW savvy, you might end up with a major headache. I recently replaced the waterpump - got quotes from $475 with timing belt replacement to $1400 for just the waterpump. Same with the brakes - Midas quoted $1200 but I got them done at a small local German imports shop for $250. Do your maintenance and the car is fine. It is fun to drive, fits me easily (I am 6'5) and it gets great gas mileage. I have owned alot of convertibles and this one is very practical and dependable if you maintain it.
Alex's Cabrio
This is a fun affordable car especially for a young person to drive.
I love my Cabrio but...
I love my cabrio. It is so fun to drive and so cute, but I have had to replace my cluster twice, replace my tail pipe and I'm due to replace my whole muffler system. My power top is leaking in 2 places and I have to replace the hydrolic fluid every summer or pay over 1,000$ to fix the leaks. I had a bad sensor, my check engine light is always on and my ABS light is on. It is also rusting all over despite my waxing it multiple times a year! This car is costing me almost as much in repairs as I payed for it! It is also going to be very hard to sell because who wants a convertible with a top that doesn't work with check engine lights on and incorrect mileage because the clusters were replaced?
So Cute!
I bought the Cabrio to have for the driving in the summer months (Explorer in the winter) and I absolutely love it! It could use a little more pick up on the engine. Overall, it is very comfortable, cute (love the roll bar), and practical to drive. The back seat is roomier than other convertibles and the VW handling is excellent.
GREAT car!
I bought my cab with 62,000 miles on it and it is now at 115,000. I have only had to replace a few minor things, probably only totaling to $1,000. The A/C does not work, but I don't really use it anyways. It drives great in the snow, I have never had to purchase snow tires and it out-drives my Ford F-250. Minor leaks in heavy rain. I get nearly 30 mpg, I love this car.
I love my VW!
Everyone else says that they have no pick up...they must be nuts! I have the zippiest car around. I like driving my car better than my mom's Jaguar XK8.
I love it!
I drive this car year round, sun, rain, snow, and ice, up and down the highways of the midwest. It has never let me down. It is a real trooper. It is even really good in the snow! Those Germans know what they are doing!
Underrated Performance and Reliability
After 10,000 miles with my 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio, I am flabbergasted about the comments in regards to lack of power. This is the twenty-third car I have owned and I am so impressed with the solid handling and general performance. Consumer guide just flat missed this one when it came to their discussion of this machine's alleged lack of performance. My repair, I had to replace the rear muffler! BIG DEAL! What an incredibly fun car to drive.
Go Go Cabrio - Driver Found
I purchased my carbrio in the dead of winter 1999 & have driven it year round since with basic maintenance and care. Would like bigger better placed cup holders but love absolutely everything about my car so much I am finding it hard to find a suitable replacement for the future. I am nearing 100,000 miles & have required no major repair.
Needs improvement
This vehicle drives like a dream. It has very little road noise. The heated seats tend to heat in spots causing hot spot on your rearend.
24 years and best car ever, still!
I have had many cars, but my 2000 VW Cabrio, which I have owned since August of 2000, is by far the best. I bought it new, and it has over 140,000 miles on it. It still has a lot of get up and go. We have made sure it gets the suggested preventative maintenance when due. I hope to keep it forever. 6/20/23 - Still Running great, although the Tach and Speedometer sometimes flatline, but they comes back once the weather dries up. UPDATE 96/2024: Just had to replace the hydraulic hoses to the convertible top. Also, now that she sits under in a portable canvas garage when not being driven, I rarely have issues with the tach/speedometer.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Disappointed with overall quality
We purchased our VW Cabrio GLS new because of its styling and our impression that VW makes quality vehicles. I must admit that the car was involved in a rear-ender in which the front end of the VW took a good smack, but fortunately, it was all cosmetic. My wife is the main driver (and I play the mechanic) and loved her car for the first two years. Then glued on interior parts started coming off. At about 45,000 we lost the speedo and tach gauge ($900 to replace, can't be fixed). The convertible top no longer works ($810 for the motor), the power steering leaks badly, the engine sprays oil all over, and this car has been babied, TLC'd, and garaged. $26,000 and you still get a stamped steel valve cover.
9 years later
I bought the 99 cabrio in 2000 for around $20,000. I have replaced brakes, tires, muffler, window washer blades. It now has 66,000 miles and I am trading it in for a newer car. The automatic roof broke, but I didn't have it repaired. It's easy to do manually. I loved the car. I didn't have any of those problems mentioned in other posts.
1999 VW Cabrio
I purchased my dream car - red '99 Cabrio in 1998 from a VW dealership. I am a very good driver of this (5- speed) beauty and it's been garaged for most of its life.The exterior and interior look almost brand new.I did have the power failure of the lights. However, VW said that my VIN did not match its recall list.Everything that was described in the recall happened to my car in 2007, causing a dangerous situation while on an Interstate.In 2007, the power boost on the passenger side for the convertible top failed. Today, the driver side failed. Each repair cost me $1,700. I wanted this car to last me forever!
I love my Cabby
I read many reviews before buying my car, and chose to take the gamble. I bought it with the intention to have it last through the end of undergrad and grad school. I just graduated - it was a trooper and lasted! I have not had much trouble at all. I have replaced both the front and rear windows because they cracked (my own fault). It was very reasonable to replace the windows. The car, of course, does not have much power, but I still love it. I have even made it my own little SUV by adding a roof rack to it. I hope that VW makes a newer version in the coming years, so when mine eventually causes me problems due to old age, I can buy a new one!
cab 99
The Cabrio is fun to drive but lacks in power. The inside and out is German perfection. The new style is the one to buy, SC
Has Been a Great Little Car
I have had relatively few problems with my 1999 Cabrio GLS. The only problem that I have had had as far as malfunctions go is what appears to be a short in the wiring system. The car's "service engine light" came on at about 50,000 miles. I took it in to the mechanic only to be told that nothing was wrong with the car, it is just programmed to go off so you will take it in an be serviced. The airbag light went on and I was told that it is a common problem as the sensors short out . I have yet to have it fixed.
Black VW Cabrio
VW 99 Cabrio- Drives well, excellent condition, Black exterior, Black leather seats
Drive Shaft
I love my 1999 little cab I bought it in 2005 with only 12000 km on the clock. Amazing! Also amazing was the fact that I had to replace the drive shaft at 50,000 km - hrrmph! Andrew
JUNK Continued
I have replaced 2 wheel bearings, an axle, strut assembly and I had a dry rotted EGR vacume tube when the car only had 35k miles. The stereo doesn't sound good and there is no bass. I haven't been impressed with the dealer service. When my second gauge cluster died after 12 months and 1 day from my last replacement, I was told to call VW of North America and I did so. They accepted no responsibility for the quality of their parts and became very rude with me when I asked to speak to the rep's supervisor. Stay away from this car!!!!!
Not a bad car for the price
The Cabrio is one of the best deals you can get on a convertible. There are lots of things they could improve, but overall it's a pretty good car. It's very solid; you don't feel like you're driving a tin can down the road. You get an okay amount of power in the manual transmission version, though this car could NEVER be classified as sporty. You can also fit in any parking space that exists.
JUNK JUNK JUNK
Never buy this car!! The market is horrible if you are unlucky enough to already own one. Germans can build a good driving car, but from my experience they don't know anything about electronics. In the 2 years I have owned this car I have had to replace the entire gauge cluster TWICE -- $400 each time. I have also replaced the alarm module, window pinch sensor, and cruise control relay. The leather wears out quickly...
Great Looks, Lousy Reliability
My first new car turned out to be quite a pain. I had troubles within the first 3 months (including top leaks) of owning her and it's only gotten worse. The seals around the top have had to be replaced three times (very expensive). I have a mystery trunk leak that renders it practically useless. Numerous electronic issues and the driver's side window appears ready to burn out next. I drove her cross-country from Florida to Oregon and had to spend over $1,000 to get her to pass Oregon emissions. Now, the auto top will no longer come down and my mechanic estimates a minimum of $1,000 to fix it. I'm giving up and shopping for a new car. No more VW's for me.
1999 Volkswagen Cabrio
I will never buy another VW product. The convertible top operator has been replaced twice. The air conditioning has failed. The cloth top seams have delaminated requiring the whole top to be replaced. The electric window operators ocasionally malfunction. The car is 6 years old but has been driven less than 6,000 miles per year. It is a real lemon.
Don't Buy One
My boyfriend and I bought this car because i wanted it! I have had nothing but problems with it since the day I drove it off the lot! The night that I drove it home, the check engine light came on and I have had to take it back up there and pay for the problems even though I have only had it for not even three weeks! Getting this car was a big mistake.
Whatever you do, don't do it!
Purchased a 2000 VW Cabrio from a used car dealership in New Jersey (that was my first mistake as I am a New York resident.) Drove the car off the lot and within 3 miles, check engine light came on. Checked fluids, proceeded with our trip home. Within 10 miles, the car's manual transmission jumps out of fifth gear while going 65 mph on a 4 lane highway. With the dealership closed (and being the car was sold "as- is", we limped home. The 2 hour trip ended up taking nearly 3 hours. Mechanic found the transmission had been replaced but not refilled with transmission fluid. Brand New tranny installed only to find the starter was also malfunctioning. Meanwhile, the check engine light was on.
Cutest Little Thing!
Before I bought my 2000 Cabrio 4 years ago, I looked up consumer reviews and was horrified. Fortunately, I ignored the postings and went ahead and bought one. omg! The best thing I could have done! Not only do you get great gas mileage, it fits everywhere. The check engine light came on twice in 4 years and both times all I did was open the hood and take a look. The first time, a thick rubber tube got old and had a whole in it. Cost me $2.00 & 15 minutes to change. This last time, a small rubber tube disconnected. I put it in it's place, and 15 miles later, check engine light turned off. I'm a female musician, not a mechanic and I figured it out! Use common sense, and you will be just fine!
AWESOME vehicle for price and safety.
The car is amazing, and as long as you keep all maintanance up, like all of us should, it will run forever!!! This was my dream car from 11th grade and I finally had a chance to get it and BAM!! Many hours of cruising at the beach, to Kentucy and on to Phillidelphia and back home to NC. Gas mileage was great! I would reccommend this vehicle over and over, just be aware, regular maintanence is important no matter what vehicle you own. You go to the Dr when you need a checkup, take your car regularly too:-)
Vanessa
My dad bought me this car off of ebay my senior year of high school! I love it its has broke down a few times. The only real problems ive had is the abkc seat is really small. and my distributor cap and rotor died. The mass airflow thing has been a problem too. My automatic top stopped working due to the hydraulic pistions brekaing down. But its at 104,000 and still running beautifully. I absolutely love my car. and its fast and samll so you can fit into any pakring spot
Cruzin Cabrio
Good car that is fun to drive... so good features that are found in much more expensive convertables. VW service is very expensive.. get extended warranty just in case.
Awesome and Fun
Great fun car to zip around town. Terrific VW stereo sounds with an easy to operate top! Car is solid for the price and drives like a German engineered car without the sticker shock!
Cutest car on market
Best car I have ever owned
Fun in the sun
Great little car, toss in a K&N air filter to give it back some of it's missing power. Car handles like a dream. I'm happy to own the GLS model instead of the lesser GL. The GL looks cheap IMO. Must be the rims. Power top on the GLS is nice also.
NHTSA investigation candidate
Loved the car. Test drive was great. But out of the dealership problems started (the dealer being one of them) First, a bad rim. The same wheel goes flat 4 flat times.The dealer claims it's not the rim - but the tier, the tier guys say exactly the opposite. Eventually, after 4 trips, the rim gets replaced, and didn't have a flat since. Then the seat warmer goes dead, buring the fuse. Dealer take 4 hours to figure that one out. Then, the last straw, the manual transmission gives while doing 65 on the highway - that was fun. if you had a similiar expirience feel free to report at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
torn between love and hate
as soon as i got into my cabrio, i fell in love with it. unfortunately that quickly ended when my fuel pump relay system went two weeks after i bought the car (34000 mi on car). soon after i found out that my windows weren't hitting the weather stripping, causing them to leak, which isn't covered under my 2yr factory warranty because it is an "adjustment." my front wheel tie rod went bad a few months ago, way before it should have. my window regulators are going bad as well. just yesterday my check engine light came on, so we'll see what kind of surprise i have in store next. it's impractical for me to have my car in the shop 1-2 times/month.
Cute car...Lots of problems!
I've had my cabbie for four years and it was great until the car hit 30,000 miles! The car began dying on me after sitting at traffic lights. When brought to the dealer they said there was nothing wrong with it. Right....until I got hit after the car died in the middle of an intersection! The check engine light constantly comes on and in the last 5 months I have spent close to $3,000 dollars fixing engine problems. The car has been babied since it was bought and there's no reason for all of these problems. Well except the car is a piece of JUNK!
Watch it
If you have plenty of money to keep it maintained this is the car for you. 2000 Volkswagen cabriogl 2 door We just bought this car it has 78000 miles on it very good looking car runs great plenty of power for a four 4 - cylinder automatic but the guy had put a lot of new parts on it oil pan gasket, both front rotors struts, tires, timing belt, water pump, I have to buy front axles and and wheel bearing. What bothered me the man takes care of what he owns they didnt ride it very much at all i thought Volkswagen suppose to last its convertible and a one part of the fabric on the top where its sawn together started braking loose he had to put some kind of stuff on it to keep it from coming more apart. And the seat belt light stays on so that has to be fixed. I dont know i hope i didnt make a mistake by buying it.
fun in the sun
This car is fun - and - my wife loves to drive it because it is small and handy in tight spaces. The electric roof is a plus and everything is well designed and works perfect, we even like the German styling which is not too ascetic in the golf GLS. Mileage is good now that gas prices are climbing and since Volkswagen stopped the production of these cars we are going to drive with a collectible car soon...
I don't reccommend
In less than 2 years both power windows have broken several times, and are very expensive to fix about 900 dollars per window. Warrantee is less than that of the other VWs. The airbag ingnitor broke right after 25000 miles and VW refused to fix it under the warrantee. That alone is nearly 800 dollars to fix. I don't suggest this car.
Loved this Car
I loved this car until it hit 40,000 miles. Since then, it's cost me around $200/month just to keep it on the road. No major mechanical problems, just things like air bags, lights, and now a problem with the window regulator -- the window won't go all the way down because, apparently, they don't make the regulators fit the window frame! Still, it's a fun car to drive and I'll keep it as a second vehicle -- just have to buy one to drive while this one's in the shop.